Buxom Pillow Pout Review (Gutenberg Version)

When I first heard the idea of a powder lip color, I was a liiiiittle skeptical. It just sounds weird and wrong, ok? But then again, I’m also a sucker for something new. This month Buxom Cosmetics released their new Pillow Pout lip colors, and despite my misgivings, I couldn’t resist trying them out. They sent me a couple shades for a test run, and as it turns out, these are actually a really fun product!

Applicator

Cozy Up // Turn Me On

Right off the bat you can tell these are not your typical lipstick. When you open up the cap, you’re met with a rounded sponge applicator instead of the more usual bullet. The product sits inside the cap, and is automatically loaded up onto the applicator when you close the top. It’s basically the same format as the shadow end of the Surratt Smoky Eye Baton (swatches at minute 17:05), if you’re familiar with that. As you can see in the photos, the inside of the cap can get a little bit messy if the sponge runs up against the side as you put it away. More importantly though, there’s no danger of the cap falling off and destroying the lining of your favorite purse (which definitely happened to me with another lipstick).

The applicator itself is firm and bouncy, very similar to the texture of the Real Techniques Blending Sponge. The product is a ‘wet powder’ formula, which in practice means it’s a light-textured semi-matte cream. It’s much thicker than a liquid lipstick, but drier and less slippery in texture than a bullet. The product glides on evenly with full coverage, or you can bounce the applicator lightly for a more sheer look and a totally effortless ombre effect. I was pleased at how easy it was to get a clean lip line, but if you’re over-drawing or want to be super extra precise I’d recommend a matching lip liner.

Colors

Turn Me On // Cozy Up

At the time of launch, there are ten colors in the product line. Half are ‘my lips but better’ shades in various depths and undertones; the rest are made up of reds, berries and wines. I got Cozy Up, a mauve nude, and Turn Me On, which is neutral red. Both are colors that I can see myself wearing a lot. I do hope they’ll release additional shades in the future though, because bright pinks and corals are my life.

Formula

Turn Me OnCozy Up

Have to say, I’m seriously impressed with this lip color formula. Demi-matte finishes are my jam, and this one goes on buttery smooth with opaque coverage. It has light plumping properties, so there’s initially a bit of a minty feel, but not tingly, if that makes any sense. On my both colors wear full-strength for about five hours, including multiple cups of coffee. After that there’s a little fading at the corners, and a nice stain lingering by the time I get home from work. It’s not entirely transfer-proof, but it gets bonus points for not smearing or migrating. I also haven’t found it to be drying at all, and no lipstick fault lines appear as the day goes on.

In Short: I’m a convert! If they release more colors in the future, they will definitely be mine.